Local artists celebrate “The Joy of Creativity” with an exhibit this January.

The Blue Whole Gallery, 129 W. Washington St., will showcase the artistry of animal portrait painter Jean Glaser and mixed media sculptor Deborah Harrison.

Members of the gallery welcome the community to the new exhibit during gallery hours — 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Saturday — and at a meet-the-artists event during the First Friday Art Walk, set for 5-8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 6.

Glaser, who owns Jean Glaser Animal Portraits, said art has been part of her life for as long as she can remember. She worked for more than 30 years in the medium of food and restaurants, including her own, and began painting full-time in 2009, with animals being her main subjects.

“While I am painting an animal it feels as though we are having a conversation; as the conversation progresses the animal’s essence emerges,” Glaser said.

With a bachelor’s degree in fine arts/ceramics from Arizona State University, she’s shown in galleries in Scottsdale, Ariz., and Park City and Salt Lake City, Utah.

Harrison said she enjoys taking risks and experimenting with her art.

“Ever since I was a child I have been mesmerized by the translucent beauty of stained glass,” she said. “All grown up now, I still am allured by its magic: the dance of light with glistening textures and rich, bold colors captivates me.”

Several years ago she began to layer glass in her pieces. Not only does the technique give a three-dimensional aspect to Harrison’s art, but it also adds a “rich complexity” to her designs.

“I make it a point to reflect on what part of it brings me the most joy,” she said, “and I keep steering in that direction.”

For more about the gallery, visit bluewholegallery.com.

Submitted photo “Song of the Sea” by Deborah Harrison, a featured artist at the Blue Whole Gallery in January.